Method and system to improve traffic flow

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide for a system to detect and cite tailgating violations. The system may comprise a tailgating detector adapted to detect a tailgating vehicle, a recorder adapted to record identification information specific to the tailgating vehicle, an identification computer in communication a vehicle and registrant identification information database, a citation preparation computer adapted to prepare a tailgating citation, and a communication means for communicating the tailgating citation to the tailgating violator. The system may further include a payment computer adapted to determine whether proper payment has been received for the tailgating citation, a scheduling computer in communication with a court schedule database, a summons preparation computer adapted to prepare a summons, and a communication means for communicating the summons to the tailgating violator. Embodiments of the present invention also provide for a method to detect and cite tailgating violations.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates generally to methods and systems to improving traffic flow and, more specifically, to methods and systems to detect and cite tailgating violations.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Tailgating, or following a vehicle too closely, is a serious problem on the world's roadways. Tailgating is a function of following distance and speed. When the distance between a lead vehicle and a following vehicle is short, the likelihood of a collision increases because the time available for the driver of the following vehicle to react to the stopping or slowing of the lead vehicle also is short. The likelihood of a collision also increases at high speeds because the vehicles cover more distance per unit time and therefore more distance is necessary for the driver of the following vehicle to react. In addition to being dangerous, tailgating also disrupts traffic flow. A chain reaction can result in respo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a system and method for detecting and citing tailgating violations. The system includes a tailgating detector, a recorder to record the identification information of the tailgating vehicle, an identification computer to compare the recorded information with the vehicle and registrant identification information database to identify the tailgating violator, a citation preparation computer to prepare a tailgating citation, a citation communication means to communicate the citation to the tailgating violator, a review workstation to review the identity of the tailgating violator, a payment computer to determine whether proper payment has been received, and a scheduling computer to identify an available court date. The system can also include a summons preparation computer to prepare a summons and a court schedule database to identify an available court date. The technical effects of the invention include improved efficiency in detecting and citing tailgating violations, reduced human error, and improved compliance with legal requirements."

Problems solved by technology

Tailgating, or following a vehicle too closely, is a serious problem on the world's roadways.

When the distance between a lead vehicle and a following vehicle is short, the likelihood of a collision increases because the time available for the driver of the following vehicle to react to the stopping or slowing of the lead vehicle also is short.

In addition to being dangerous, tailgating also disrupts traffic flow.

This chain reaction can lead to traffic congestion, excessive travel times, decreased fuel economy, and added air pollution.

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